Despite the play being more guard oriented focused on pushing the ball rather than playing half court set, the center position has still remained a focal point of the 2013 NBA regular season. Although there still remain some teams that still use power forwards to play a sort of "quasi-center" role, the position that was once considered as near to becoming extinct has reemerged as a new crop of big man have brought the once faded art form back to life. A lot of these players mentioned may not be considered as "household names," but they are important nonetheless as they provide both a first line of offense and last line of defenses. So join me in celebrating these unsung heroes as we take a look at the bigs that towered above all the rest and stay tuned as SDH continues its position by position look at who shined the most in the 2013 NBA Season.
30
|
|
The poor man was given a burden that he was ill equipped to handle--filling in the massive gap left by the absence of Andrew Bynum. Spencer Hawes was supposed to take a supporting role either alongside or behind Bynum, the Sixers grand prize in the Dwight Howard trade, but that was not going to come to pass. His did his best to fill in the void though--posting a solid 11 points and seven boards per game; unfortunately it was not enough as Philly would fall out of playoff contention winning just 34 games in the regular season and will have to look forward to crashing and burning come next season as they are projected to have the worst team in the NBA.
|
29
|
|
This man can be considered as one of the worst performing number one picks in NBA Draft history as he has never lived up to the expectations put upon him throughout his career; however, Andrew Bogut still gave a crucial contribution in Golden State's playoff run last season. While Stephen Curry and company jacked up shot after shot, Bogey was a stalwart in the paint offering solid defense in the paint along with a body on the boards. He may have not lived up to his high draft status, but he certainly came through for a young and hungry Warriors team giving it the toughness and grit to shock all their doubters and have that magical season.
|
28
|
|
It's unfathomable how the Denver Nuggets would shell out 44$ million for a guy that cannot even crack his own team's starting rotation. JaVale McGee, despite his unreal athleticism and skills for a man his size has yet to has the maturity or the smarts to put it all together. Already at 25 years old with five years in the league, he has yet to find his way in the NBA and it is doubtful that he ever will. Although Mile high hoops fans can hope upon all hopes that McGee will finally amount to something, it remains doubtful that will happen anytime soon, and giving him 44$ million over the next four years is not going to make things better.
|
27
|
|
Is it just me or is this whole DeAndre Jordan schtick getting very tired--each year we hope that he will take that next big step to be that elite center that we all hoped he would be only to get disappointed year after year. This past season remained no different as he posted the same mundane number (8.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.4bpg) despite getting paid around 33$ million in the next three years. At just 25 years old, Jordan seems to have reached his ceiling as he has no real post game to speak of and does not look to develop one anytime in the near future as he continues to under achieve and uninspire Clipper and NBA fans alike.
|
26
|
|
At the end of the 2012 season, most were ready to write Robin Lopez off as having any chance of developing into a decent NBA center; however upon arriving to the Big Easy, Robin soon turned some heads and turned all of his doubters into believers. While in the Hornets, Lopez posted career high in points averaging 11.3 per game while leading the team in Field Goal percentage as he made .535 of his shot attempts. He also proved to be quite the stalwart in the paint as well as he protected the rim averaging 1.6 blocks per game--second on the team behind rookie Anthony Davis. While he probably will never be as good as his twin brother, but RoLo has proven that beyond a doubt that he belongs in the NBA.
|
25
|
|
A season ago Gortat was considered as one of the up and coming young center in the league when he finished the 2012 season leading the Suns in scoring rebounding and blocked shots. Fast forward to this season and the same man who electrified the Valley of the Sun suddenly fell plain out of sight as both he and his team went in full eclipse mode. His scoring dropped from 15.4ppg the previous season to just 11.1 and suddenly no longer looked like the impact player ready to take on the NBA's elite big men. Many can blame numerous factors to Gortat's fall from grace such as the poor coaching, horrible ball movement, and even the departure of Steve Nash; however, it still falls on this Polish pivot to bounce back from a rather forgetable season.
|
24
|
|
He started of the season rough with the Memphis Grizzlies averaging just over six per game while shooting .429, but that all changed once Mareese changed address to Cleveland. There he posted the best numbers in his career averaging 10.2 points and 5.1 boards in just 18.5 minutes per game. Stretch out his production for 48 minutes and you may be looking at a potential All Star as he could have potentially averaged 26.5 points and 13.3 boards per game during that time span. At 26 years old, Speights has yet to reach his prime with plenty of upside and in the right situation, he can probably bring a team not so much an All star, but a solid 10 to 15 point and 8 to ten rebound guy.
|
23
|
Washington Wizards
|
The Wizards thought they were getting a steal when they traded the over inflated expiring contract of Rashard Lewis to the New Orleans Hornets to acquired the rugged veteran big man in Okafor. Unfortunately he struggled with his offense as did the rest of his teammates for much of the season; however, one the defensive end he was quite the stalwart in the paint as he helped the Wizards finish the season as one of the league's best defensive teams despite winning just 29 games. Thanks to Okafor's defensive presence in the paint, Washington held their opponents to just 95.8 points per contest--eighth best in the league--and had the Wiz not have the second worst offense in the league, that hard work on the defensive end could have really paid off in the end.
|
22
|
|
The few true Wizards fans may have cringed watching Nene put up rather pedestrian numbers of 12.9 points and 6.7 boards per games despite being paid a whopping $13 million this season and who is on the verge of being owed $39 million over the next three years; however they would all agree that despite his advancing age and diminishing returns, he is a FAR better than the resident knucklehead they traded him for (he's at number 28). Nene gave the Wizards a stable veteran presence in the paint and although he did not wow people, he still gave more effort and played far smarter than his predecessor. At 30, Nene may have already reached his peak as player and may not offer more than he has given thus far; however,if he manages to stay healthy to play at least 70 games per, the Wizards will still be better off than waiting to see if their great failure JaVale McGee, would finally get it.
|
21
|
|
After two awful seasons spending most of them on the bench in street clothes, it seemed that it was time for the ailing big man and a former All Star to finally hang up his high-tops, but JO silenced his critics and underwent one of the greatest resurrections since Easter Sunday. Some may consider comparing Jermaine's come back to the Resurrection of the big man himself, JC, a bit blasphemous and sacrilegious, but it was no less a miracle to say the least. No one thought he had anything left as both his legs and back were suspected to be shot, but he went on to play 55 games and average 8 point and 5 boards in 18.7 minutes per game. One can go as far to say that O'Neal was the sole bright spot a Phoenix team that was the most terribly awful that it has ever been in its entire history.
|
20
|
Sad to say, but at the age of 25, Brandon Wright has just about reached his full potential as a player in the NBA. He'll never be more than a wiry long big man that can run the floor and offers anything else than being an energy player off the bench. At a weight of just 210 pounds, he is to slight build to really offer any intimidating presence in the paint and in his four years in the league has yet to develop any real offensive skills in the post. Yet despite his limitations, he still offered the Mavericks a solid and efficient energy player coming off the bench as he posted 8 points and 4 boards in just 18 minutes per game along with shooting at a near .600 clip. One can only hope that performance will be a start of something good for Wright, but looking at what he has done thus far in his career, it is doubtful that will ever happen.
|
|
19
|
|
Andre Drummond came into the league so raw that he could have brought salmonella and e-coli to his team as he had no real fundamental skills other than his freakish athleticism and no real semblance of a post game. He certainly proved his doubters wrong when he average a rather respectable 8 points and eight rebounds per game while coming off the bench. Along with that, Drummond also led his team in field goal percentage (.608) and blocked shots per game (1.6) as well. Despite the critcism on certain aspects on his game, especially in the free throws department (.376 for the season), he has proven to have almost unlimited upside and may be a potential force in the league for years to come.
|
18
|
|
He did not have the momentous arrival that many Toronto fans had hoped for, but Jonas Valunciunas certainly showed that he has what it takes to make it in the NBA. He started in 57 of the 62 games he had played and posted rather solid numbers in rather limited minutes--around nine points, six boards and a blocked shot per game in under 24 minutes, to be exact. What was even more impressive was Jonas' efficiency on the court as he hit .557 of his less than six shot attempts per game and was pretty accurate from the free throw line making .790 of them as well. If he works on getting stronger and remains injury free, he will certainly have the potential to be a force a force in the NBA and possibly the best center the Raptors ever had since . . . oh yeah, right, the Raptors never really have had a great center did they?
|
17
|
Dallas Mavericks
|
After a couple of lack luster and injury riddled seasons, it became quite apparent that Chris Kaman will never return to his All Star form; nonetheless, he was still a crucial piece on a Mavericks team that went .500 for the 2013 Season. Kaman played 66 games, starting 52 of them and averaged a solid, but unspectacular 10.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in just 20 minutes per game along with shooting at a rather efficient .507 from the field. At 31 years old he may have reached his peak as a player and may be on the verge of decline, but at least he still showed that he can still give a significant contribution in the paint for any NBA team.
|
16
|
|
Although 7.2 points and 4.3 rebounds per game does not seem like much, in regards of second year pivot, Enes Kanter, it can be seen as a major step forward. Consider the fact that he accomplished those numbers coming off in just 15 minutes of playing time while shooting .544 from the field and .795 from the free throw line. Also, add the fact that this guy, at the age of 21, had not had any real basketball playing experience other than a couple Nike Air Summit games and prep school. Altogether, Kanter has shown that it was not a mistake for Utah to take a chance picking him third in the 2011 NBA Draft and he has barely even scratched the surface of reaching his FULL potential.
|
15
|
Denver Nuggets
|
This poor guy does not nearly get the credit he deserves--despite starting in every game in the regular season averaging 8 points and 7 boards in 22 minutes per game, he still got overlooked by Nuggets fans in favor of the player who backed him up, JaVale McGee. Statistically, Koufos, who is only at 24 years of age, has shown to have the potential to become one of the elite big men of the games as his per 48 minute production can be considered as All Star worthy-- 17.8 points, 15.3 boards and 1.1 blocks per game. Hopefully he will have that opportunity where a coach will give him him 35 to 40 minutes per game so he can show the league what he can really do whether it be in Denver or some other NBA franchise.
|
14
|
Detroit Pistons
|
Despite leading his team in scoring and rebounds for the second straight season, Greg Monroe's play fell of a bit as his field goal percentage dropped rather drastically from .521 in 2012 to .486 and his offensive consistency went up and down with each passing month. He started the season well enough averaging 16.7 per game while shooting .476 in November then went ice cold in December as his scoring dropped to 13.6ppg and field goal perecntage went down with it at .436. The trend can be witness throughout the season his numbers would fluctuate from one month to another and add the fact that his team won a mere 29 games also takes off the luster of his image as the future of the franchise.
|
13
|
|
After earning his first All star selection in the 2012 season, it looked as if Roy Hibbert would finally elevate his game and join the ranks of the great former Georgetown Hoya big men who have come before him. Unfortunately that could not be so far from the truth as Hibs came into the season ice cold shooting an abysmal .376 from the field and was almost invisible in the Pacers' offensive sets. Much of that can be blamed on lack of touches, but considering that most of his shot attempts come from inside ten feet and he has a nearly 8 foot reach, that pretty pathetic to say the least. Hibbert's shot improved over time, but he finished the season shooting a sad .448 from the field; however he did redeem himself in the playoffs as he played like an All Star averaging a career high 17 points per game showing the basketball world that he is capable of carrying a franchise if given the chance.
|
12
|
|
If he only had the right teammates, coaching and better team ownership, Demarcus Cousins would be considered as possibly one of the greatest big men in the league instead of the whiny, petulant, knuckle-headed brat as he is portrayed by the media. Blame the Maloof brothers for that as they intentionally tanked the Kings in order to devalue it enough for them to justify moving the team out of Sacramento for Cousins' continued immaturity. Regardless, despite his critics lambasting him for his poor attitude that was considered detrimental to the team, Demarcus still led the Kings in scoring, rebounding and steals thus showing that the potential to be great is still there. Hopefully with new ownership and a fresh new start, perhaps Cousins can still grow and mature enough into the player in which we all hope that he can be.
|
11
|
Utah Jazz
|
He can be considered one of the most underrated and under appreciated players in the NBA, as big Al continued to play like an All Star leading his team in scoring and rebounds despite getting little or no attention from mainstream media. His scoring dipped slightly from 19.2 in 2012 to 17.8 this season, but he still remained among the top scoring pivots in the league, second only to Brook Lopez yet he still gets little or no credit for such accomplishments. Even his own fans trash him saying how much of a terrible defender he is while not appreciating the fact that they possess pound for pound, one of the best big men in the league. Hopefully he will find the right environment where he will receive the credit and acclaim that he so richly deserves.
|
10
|
|
Despite being 30 years of age and having 12 years of NBA experience, Tyson Chandler is as athletically and fundamentally raw as he entered the league straight out of high school. He has virtually no post game as his sole go to move is running and converting a lob dunk which leads to his league leading .638 field goal percentage; however, he is virtually useless on the offensive end as he is not even given much respect by his defenders. Nonetheless, he did earn himself his first All Star nod, which can be considered debatable on whether or not he deserved such an honor and he did help lead the Knicks to their first 50+ win season in 13 years. So put all those factors together, it is little wonder why he can be name among the ten most note worthy performers in the NBA.
|
9
|
|
When he thought that he would finally get his chance to step into the limelight, the Spurs' management pulled the rug from right under him when they resigned the aging Tim Duncan for three more seasons. At the age of 28, Tiago would once again waste another prime year of NBA career backing up and remaining in the shadow of the geriatric 38 year old Duncan; however, considering that he was able to have his first NBA Finals experience thanks to the return of that ageless veteran, the situation did not seem as dire for the Brazilian big man. In fact by mid season he was promoted to full time starter playing alongside the ageless one and posted respectable averages of 10.3 points, and 6.4 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per game. Splitter also was the team's most proficient shooter at.560 from the field and if things keep progressing the way there are, he might just find himself in the driver's seat as the Spurs primary option in the paint soon enough.
|
8
|
|
After two rather non-descrpit seasons followed by equally poor showings in the Summer League and the ensuing preseason, many in the basketball world along with Milwuakee Bucks were ready to simply write of Larry Sanders as a bust. Image the sheer shock on the faces on everyone in Brewville when Sanders burst onto the court posting the best numbers in his career averaging a double-double in points and rebounds, while swatting away nearly three blocks per game. Sanders continued his spectacular play in the post season averaging a career high 10.8 points per game while shooting .578 from the field despite his team getting handily swept in the first by the NBA champion Miami Heat. Hopefully this will be the start of something special for this Bucks big man who no one gave a chance at succeeding.
|
7
|
|
Some may consider Noah as rather overrated as he was not that great of a factor offensively that the Bulls needed him to be as he averaged just a shade under 12 per game will shooting a rather uninspiring .450 from the field, but that is just a small part of the story. Joakim Noah was actually the heart and soul of the team especially on the defensive end where he led Chicago in steals (1.2) and blocked shot (2.1) per game. Add the fact that he was also a key piece in the Bulls'offensive sets, not so much in scoring, but more so in passing and ball movement as he averaged four assists per game--tying Marc Gasol as the most by an NBA center. He certainly for being a crucial piece for keeping the Bulls as a playoff contender despite missing the team's star and best offensive player, Derrick Rose, for the entire season.
|
6
|
|
Many eyebrows were raised in shock and skepticism when the Rockets signed a player who spent his career as a backup center to contract worth 30$ million over three years with a the final year at a whopping 15$ million. Regardless, despite the skeptics, the Turkish born center silenced all his doubter by having the best season in his career. Not only did he manage to post career best in scoring 10.1ppg, but he also ranked among the league leaders in rebounding averaging 11.7 per game and even managed to hold his own defensively swating one shot per game as well. Although it remains to be seen if he is worthy of that 15$ million third year given to him, his impressive did help the Rockets finally cut their five year playoff drought.
|
5
|
|
Not many expected much from the 22 Swiss born Serbian big man when he arrived to Orlando courtesy of that mega trade that sent the Magic's one time star, Dwight Howard to Los Angeles to don the purple and gold. At best they thought that Nicola Vucevic would be a marginal player at best after having a decent yet rather unspectacular rookie campaign playing for the Philadelphia 76ers. Imagine the shock and pleasure of Orlando fans when this same player comes out with a breakout season helping them to forget all about the drama and grief that Howard caused in seasons prior. By season's end, Nicola finished it averaging a double double of 13 points, 12 boards, and two blocks per game making him one of the top breakout performances of the 2013 season. Despite playing on the team that finished with the worst record in the regular season, Magic fans have the optimistic hope that Vucevic's breakout season will be the first of many to come in the future.
|
4
|
His arrival to the City of Angels came with champagne wishes and caviar dream, but it ended up in disaster as Dwight Howard would come to the Lakers at half strength recovering from off season rehab of his injured back. His presence also sparked rumors of infighting and chemistry issue that led Los Angeles to have a far from anticipated season scratching to reach the post season only to be humiliated in the first round. Now with him signing over to the Houston Rockets next season, LA is virtually left with nothing after concocting that massive trade that involved three teams, 10 players, numerous draft picks, and millions of dollars. Neither the fans, nor the storied franchise will want to ever remember such a horrid chain of events that turned hope and excitement into despair and disgust.
|
|
3
|
|
Brook Lopez always showed glimpses of superstar potential throughout his very young career; however playing on a very bad Nets teams for the past four years took much of the luster and shine off his impressive production. Now in a new home, new arena, and a new attitude, Brook Lopez led the new Brooklyn Nets to the playoffs in its inaugural season. Lopez led his team and all centers in scoring averaging 19.4 points per game while also putting in work on the defensive end swatting at an average rate of two shots per game. With a deep team of talented athlete and All star veteran talent around, we can look forward to seeing Brook's Nets in the post season for years to come.
|
2
|
|
On a team that was completely decimated by injuries, Nikola Pekovic did his best to keep the floundering Timberwolves afloat to little or no avail. He took the lead role for the team leading in points and rebounds, while being the teams most efficient scorer as well having the best shooting percentage. Pekovic certainly proved himself an important piece of the Timberwolves future and if it were not for all the injuries, he would have certainly been given All Star consideration had the situation been different. He has certainly given fans and the media a reason to keep an eye one him in the least and hopefully this performance will not be a one season affair, and be the start of a bright future for a player who had been selected low in the second round of the 2008.
|
1
|
|
He may not have led his team in scoring, rebounds, or even field goal percentage, Marc Gasol was still by far the Grizzlies' best player on the court along with the being the team's strongest leader. It was primarily because of him that the Grizzlies kept their opponents to scoring under 90 points per game in the regular season along with shooting just .435 from the paint as he has been a stalwart in the paint. He also was took a leading role on the offensive end not just in proficiently putting the ball in the basket, but also facilitating his teammates as he was second on the team in assists per game behind Mike Conley. Gasol's play was certainly a factor in the post season as he helped guide his team to not just one but two stunning upsets in the first and second rounds leading Memphis to its first appearance in the Western Conference Finals. So when many try to discount Marc Gasol as an All Star caliber player because his stats do not pop out as some other, all they need to do is watch him play and see that he is more than deserving of the acclaim he has recieved.
|
